Tim Griffin says his sexual orientation was not a secret during the eight summers he worked at Camp Winton in Amador County. He thinks the Scouts' regional council decided to fire him on Friday after the national organization last week reaffirmed its ban on openly gay members and leaders.

Glen Goddard, program director for the Golden Empire Council, tells The Sacramento Bee http://bit.ly/M8nv6x ) that Griffin was dismissed because he refused to adhere to uniform guidelines.

At issue were the nail polish and earring Griffin wore, although someone also had complained about his mannerisms, Goddard says.

Other staff members started wearing nail polish and then resigned Saturday to show their support for Griffin.